The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who are committed to the vision and mission of the association. These volunteers have a personal or professional relationship to people with Down syndrome. Each year nominations are accepted for vacant Board positions and new Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
OUR TEAM

DAVID OTANEZ - PRESIDENT
David came to DSAT to help create a better future and environment for his youngest child who was born with Down Syndrome. With a background as a VP for an investment firm, and longtime student and teacher of martial arts, he believes in advocating and standing for those with special needs.

MIKE WEIR - TREASURER
Mike is a retired executive with 35 years of experience in the Investment Management Industry and the volunteer Treasurer of DSAT. Michael has 3 children and became involved with DSAT shortly after his daughter Kimberly was born with Down Syndrome in 1992. Kimberly has made many friends through DSAT and its programs like Dance Rock.

JONATHAN HUGHES
Jonathan works as a web developer for a major hospital in downtown Toronto and has been involved with DSAT since 2011. He became involved with DSAT shortly after his daughter’s birth, volunteering his web development skills to build the current DSAT website you see today. As an IT professional, Jonathan helps DSAT take advantage of today’s technologies to help keep members informed of the various programs and services within the DSAT community.

RICHARD CARTER
Bio is coming soon!

NISHA HASAN
Nisha’s passion for advocacy and wanting to do more is influenced by her younger brother with Down syndrome. She is a marketing and communications specialist working in the mining industry. Speaking to thousands of investors globally, she joined the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto’s board to share her networking skills, connect with supporters and advance the organizations mission. Nisha is committed to raising awareness and challenging the stigma associated with disability.

ROBERT LEWIS
Robert is a graphic designer and illustrator for film and television. He joined the DSAT Board after years of enjoying the organization’s many activities and events with his growing twin boys (one of whom, Nathaniel, was born with DS). He welcomes the opportunity to work with experts, educators, and above all, the many families of our community to exchange experiences and ideas, improve public perception and awareness, and enrich the lives of those living with Down Syndrome.

REENA PABARI
Reena is a pediatrician in Toronto who joined the DSAT board in 2022. She has a young daughter with Down syndrome and is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities. As a member of the DSAT board, she hopes to contribute to the development of programs for new families and young children.

ANNA TAVERNA
Anna comes to us with 10 years of experience facilitating adapted recreational programs to individuals of all abilities. She has an educational background in Kinesiology and Recreation Therapy. Anna believes that through quality programming, participation, and shifting the inclusion narrative, all individuals can reach their full potential and become active members of society. She looks forward to meeting and connecting with members of our community.